No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole is an easy, comforting meal that comes together in one dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty without a lot of fuss. Just assemble, bake, and enjoy a flavorful dinner with minimal cleanup.

A white baking dish holds a layered meal with a base of creamy white rice mixed with bright green peas and small pieces of orange carrots, giving a colorful contrast. On top, there are four large pieces of chicken breast, each coated evenly with a reddish-brown spice mix, creating a textured crust. The rice surrounding the chicken is slightly browned and bubbly from baking, and sprinkled green herbs add a fresh touch to the dish. A metal spatula rests under the rice, lifting a portion out, while in the background, a white plate shows a serving of the layered meal sitting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 5-6 ounces each)
  • 2 cups instant rice (or Minute rice)
  • 1¾ cups reduced sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
  • ¾ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Add the instant rice, chicken broth, condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of celery soup, and frozen peas and carrots (if using) to the dish. Stir well and spread the mixture evenly.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure good contact.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, mix together the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly over the chicken breasts.
  5. Step 5: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes without opening the foil (no peeking).
  6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest, still covered, for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the seasoning mix.
  • Swap out the frozen peas and carrots for other vegetables like corn or green beans.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
  • If you prefer, substitute the cream of mushroom and celery soups with homemade cream sauce for a fresher taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warm throughout. Avoid freezing as the texture of the rice and chicken may change.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white plate with a serving of creamy rice mixed with green peas and small orange carrot pieces forming the bottom layer. On top sits a single piece of golden-brown baked fish, its surface evenly coated with a crispy, lightly spiced breadcrumb crust with small green herb sprinkles. The plate rests on a white cloth with green stripes over a white marbled surface. In the background, a white casserole dish filled with more of the fish and rice bake is partially visible, along with clear salt and pepper shakers on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook fully during the baking time.

What if I don’t have condensed cream soups?

You can make a simple homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, milk, and broth to replace the canned soups. This will give you a fresher flavor and control over ingredients.

Print
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No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This No Peek Chicken and Rice Casserole is a simple, comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender boneless skinless chicken breasts bake gently over a savory mixture of instant rice, creamy condensed mushroom and celery soups, and vegetables, infused with a blend of seasonings. Covered and baked without peeking, the casserole emerges moist and flavorful, providing a hearty dinner with minimal effort and cleanup.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 56 ounces each)

Main Casserole

  • 2 cups instant rice (or Minute rice)
  • 1¾ cups reduced sodium chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of celery soup
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

Seasonings

  • ¾ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch glass or ceramic baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Base Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, combine the instant rice, reduced sodium chicken broth (or water), condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of celery soup, and frozen peas and carrots if using. Stir everything well and spread the mixture evenly across the dish.
  3. Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice mixture, gently pressing them down so they touch the rice base for even cooking.
  4. Season Chicken: In a small bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the chicken breasts to enhance flavor.
  5. Cover and Bake: Tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Important: Do not lift the foil or peek during baking to maintain proper steaming and cooking.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest, still covered, for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the rice to fully absorb moisture and the chicken to settle before serving.

Notes

  • Using reduced sodium chicken broth helps control salt content; regular broth can be used but may increase sodium.
  • Frozen peas and carrots are optional but add color and nutrients to the dish.
  • Do not remove the foil or peek during baking – this is key to keeping the rice perfectly cooked and the chicken moist.
  • Leftover casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.
  • For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream soups and check labels.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chicken casserole, one dish meal, baked chicken and rice, creamy chicken casserole, easy chicken dinner, instant rice casserole

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